Declan Chandran
East Lothian
Key Issues
- Youth work
- Transportation
- Democracy
Candidate Profile
Why do you want to be an MSYP?
Currently, political decisions are being made behind closed doors, without input from young people, and I want this to change. I think it's important to have your voice heard by people in power, and I want to make a real difference by using my voice for the benefit of young people across the county. I have a strong interest in politics and believe that I can use my knowledge in this field to make the kind of changes that politicians in our county have struggled to make for years. It is with this sense of ambition that I put myself forward to be a member of Scottish Youth Parliament - to enact change and deliver for young people that have been ignored for too long.
How will you consult with the young people in your area or organisation to ensure that they are represented well and their voices are heard?
I will consult with young people through a brand new organisation designed to give young people a place to discuss issues and propose solutions called the East Lothian Youth Forum, which I have already begun to set up. This will revolutionise the way that young people are listened to, and will for the first time allow collaboration from young people across the county. If I should be elected, this would be the primary way that young people can influence decision making in East Lothian. Furthermore, I intend to regularly set up opportunities for discussion around the county in the way of surgeries, a way for people to meet face to face with their elected representative and raise issues to them.
Why should someone vote for you?
In our county, we are missing out on having our voices heard. Decisions that directly influence young people are being made without any consultation, or conversation involving young people. I want to change that by letting young people have the voice that they deserve. Issues like transportation, which are incredibly relevant to young people, are consistently overlooked, and I believe that I can change that. I will work to get the results that young people deserve, and I will not back down in the face of adversity. I am a confident public speaker and have devoted hundreds of hours volunteering. I would be happy to devote many more hours to this county and I would be honoured to be elected as a Member of Scottish Youth Parliament.